Did You Know You Can Invest in Real Estate Through Your Retirement Account?

An NAR member benefit makes this easier. Explore self-directed IRA retirement accounts through NAR partner, IRAR Trust Company

You’re a real estate expert. You might also be a real estate investor: According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2026 Member Profile, 41% of REALTORS® own a secondary property. Why not leverage your real estate knowledge in your retirement planning? One way to do that is through self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs), traditional, or Roth IRAs where you direct investments into alternative assets, like real estate.

How can I learn about real estate investing though SDIRAs?

Start by downloading the new report, “The Rise of Real Estate in Retirement Accounts: Self-Directed IRA Real Estate Investor Trends,” from IRAR Trust Company (IRAR), the National Association of REALTORS® preferred provider for SDIRAs. Released this past June, it’s based on data from 1,997 self-directed IRA real estate transactions in 2025. A few of its insights:

• Real estate purchases were split between direct real property (44%) and real estate notes (56%).
• Real estate notes are secured by property and allow investors to invest in real estate without the responsibilities of direct property ownership—like property management, maintenance, taxes and insurance.
• Among direct real property purchases, 66% were for single-family homes and 22% were for vacant land. Most properties were in California, followed by South Carolina and Florida.
• Among real estate notes, 57% of loans were first position and 43% second position.

Are there more resources?

IRAR Trust also offers the following free guides and tools:

• Guide: Self-directed IRAS: What you need to know to get started
• Guide: Non-recourse loans for real estate investing
• Brochure: Investing in real estate with retirement funds
• Subscribe to the WealthWise Newsletter, which provides retirement wealth and business growth tools for real estate professionals.

How can I get started?

One of your NAR member benefits is a discounted flat annual fee ($299) for SDIRAs through IRAR, with no limits on the number of transactions or amount of assets in your account. You can call IRAR at 888-453-4472 or schedule a complimentary consultation. Make sure to mention your NAR membership when you speak with the IRAR representative or open your account.

How does it work?

• Open your account.
• Fund your account by transferring money from existing retirement accounts or making a new contribution.
• Decide on your investment strategy. 
• Make your investment.
• After the closing, all contracts will be made in the name of your IRA. Your IRA will cover any repairs, and your tenants will pay your IRA directly.

Can I refer others?

Yes, you can extend your NAR benefit to your clients, friends and family. Request your personal referral link to share information with your contacts. Once they’ve opened and funded their account, you can help them find property.